Having lived in the UK for much of his life, apart from a brief two year stint in Spain teaching tennis, a year in the United States applying the same trade, and another in Ireland riding racehorses (slightly scarey!), Ian Turnbull considers himself well versed in the world of sports, particularily from a UK point of view. His subjects would certainly be soccer, tennis and horse racing, although a playing handicapp of seven suggests his knowledge of golf is none too shabby either! With less than 24 hours before the start of one of the world's most spectacular National Hunt Horse Racing events, "The Cheltenham Festival," the market town that hosts this yearly spectacle is already a centre of activity, as hoards of visitors make use of the bars and restaurants, eagerly awaiting the beginning of racing's centrepiece.
Followers of this legendary event, having arrived from all corners of the globe, are all anxious to witness and play their very own part in this historical occasion, which is steeped with the finest traditions mustered from this beautiful sport of kings. And, as usual, our friends from across the blustery Irish Channel demand centre stage, bringing along their very own traditional humour and vast equine knowledge, as they "pit their wits"against all around and in particular the band of merry bookmakers!
The excitement is infectious, with almost every attendant in possession of their very own expert opinion! All have stories, many profess to the receipt of unbeatable tips, others have witnessed whispers that hold great promise with the originators all predicting the swelling of wallets! Others fully expect their own judgment to create the need for extra alcoholic accompaniments, while quite possibly planning an expensive holiday courtesy of the local bookmakers! All in all, there is a confidence within that merits little more than excitement, intrigue, and hopefully, a great deal of fun!
However, there is only one problem. Simply put, it is uncertainty! Will the horse get the run of the race? Is the ground soft enough or maybe it is too firm? Is the horse 100% well within itself? Will the jockey employ the very best tactics? Is the distance to his liking? And, of course, probably the most important question of all – is the horse good enough to win?
There are so many factors to compute, oodles of advice to consider, or probably ignore! Then there is your very own mind! Shall I place my money on this one, or should I wager the other one? Just to add a little extra confusion, you are fairly full of alcoholic refreshment as you make these powerfully important decisions! No wonder the bookies all smile at Cheltenham!
"So what are the better choices," I hear you murmur as you contemplate a little modest investment into racing's elite festival? Well, if I knew all the answers, I would email you from my yacht somewhere off a luxury island in the Caribbean! But, as I am nowhere near a place of such opulence, let me set out a few selections here that will probably keep me close to a life of poverty!
My two banker bets would be reserved for Thursday's events with Voy Por Ustedes in the Ryanair Chase, and Kasbah Bliss in the World Hurdle, while my two little outsiders will both be seen on the first day, Tuesday.
In the opening race, the Supreme Novices Hurdle, Go Native will give supporters a decent run, while Follow the Plan'in the second race of the Festival could also excite! Take it from me, a blind fold, a shaky pin, and a large dollop of good fortune may be as successful a way of finding a winning horse at Cheltenham!
Finally, when all is said and done, and those debit or credit cards have all but melted through their continual use, just remember, the fun, the drinks, the stories and the many experiences you enjoyed along the way. The Cheltenham Festival is a very special event, and whether you love or hate this fascinating "Sport of Kings," nobody in their right mind can fail to enjoy themselves when basking in the atmosphere at one of the world's greatest sporting occasions.